‘Magic’ Jones can inspire Lions to series win against All Blacks

Alun Wyn Jones’ “magic” achievement of nine consecutive British & Irish Lions Test matches can inspire a stunning series victory over New Zealand, according to Rob Howley.

The 31-year-old Wales lock will become just the seventh man to play in nine straight Lions Tests in Saturday’s series decider with the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Warren Gatland challenged Jones to shape up after a below-par showing in the 30-15 first Test defeat in Auckland, and the Ospreys talisman hit back in style as the Lions prevailed 24-21 to square the series in Wellington last weekend.

And now assistant coach Howley has hailed Jones’ battling return to form as potentially crucial as the Lions seek to subdue the All Blacks in the tight five to secure only their second-ever series win in New Zealand.

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“Alun Wyn, that achievement this weekend, it’s something which is very special,” said Howley.

“He joins a unique group of players, when you look at Mike Gibson, Willie John McBride, Gareth Edwards.

“For Alun Wyn to achieve what he’s done is something which is magic. It’s quite unbelievable.”

When asked to rate Jones’ resurgence after that disappointing first Test showing, Howley added: “That’s the experience of Alun Wyn isn’t it? He spoke about his own performance over the last four or five weeks.

“And in adversity you find out about players and coaches, and he’s been able to dust himself off, and mentally get in a place where he needs to be.

Alun Wyn Jones (Image: Getty Images)

Pivotal role for the Lions

“And I thought you saw from a physicality perspective and his decision-making last week, that it was an excellent performance. We probably need to go another level in every department and we all understand that.

“And Alun Wyn has been outstanding, he’s a very intelligent rugby player.

“There’s strong balance in that second-row, with Maro (Itoje), with his physicality, energy and skill-set.

“That’s something that we’ve said over the last 12 months, the point of difference when you play New Zealand is the front-five. It’s the skill-set, it’s the energy and what they bring.

“And we feel we’re matching them in that area, and which allows us to play.

“That was important last weekend, and that’s the challenge once again.

“It’s a new game and a new experience and that will need to happen this weekend.”

Wales centre Jonathan Davies will start his sixth straight Lions Test on Saturday, having played a pivotal role in the 2013 series win in Australia.